Having reached his milestone 80th birthday, pioneering artist William Yang reflects on his extraordinary life in this epic new performance. Yang’s iconic photographs and captivating stories are complemented by a haunting score performed live with orchestra.

Internationally acclaimed Australian composer Elena Kats-Chernin — a long-time friend and collaborator of Yang’s — composed a moving score especially for Milestone, and will perform live on stage alongside the Orchestra for this performance.

Yang is a trailblazing champion of Asian–Australian culture internationally. He documented the birth of Australia’s LGBTQI+ rights movement from the early days of Sydney’s Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras to the devastating impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the 1980s and 90s. Unassuming, evocative and honestly examined, Yang looks back on his vast archive of photography, contemplating five decades of social change and the evolution of Australia’s bohemian artist community.

Milestone is Yang’s most ambitious and personal performance to date. Don’t miss this one-night-only encounter with a legend of Asia-Pacific performance sharing his stories of immigration, sexuality, creativity and family.

THE SYDNEY MORNING HERALD
"Yang has produced a body of work that speaks a universal language, inviting us to forget about those differences that are only skin deep and reflect on the things that are truly important."

PERFORMANCES

Sydney Festival

Friday 10 January, 7:30pm
Saturday 11 January, 7:30pm
Roslyn Packer Theatre (The Thirsty Mile), Walsh Bay Arts Precinct
TICKETS

Asia TOPA

Thu 20 February at 7:30 pm
Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne 
Performed live by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra.
TICKETS

Duration 130 mins

CREDITS

Creator/Performer/Co-director William Yang
Composer/Pianist Elena Kats Chernin 
Dramaturg/Co-director Tessa Leong 
Conductor Simon Bruckard
Production Manager Neil Simpson 
Technical Director Daniel Herten 
Producer Fenn Gordon for Tandem 
Auspiced by Performance Space 

SUPPORTED BY 

Commissioned by Asia TOPA, Arts Centre Melbourne, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Sydney Festival and Contemporary Asian Australian Performance. 

Milestone is supported by Playking Foundation and the Robert Salzer Foundation, with additional support from Creative Australia and City of Sydney.

Thank you to Lyle Chan & Jackie Thomas-Piccardi; Jeff Khan, Tam Nguyen & the Asia TOPA team; Olivia Ansell, Rosa Coyle-Hayward & the Sydney Festival team; Sandi Woo & the CAAP team.

Hero image

Photo credit: George Gittoes 

CAAP and Polyglot Theatre are partnering to present Artist Jam, introducing Asian Australian artists to the dynamic world of children’s theatre.

Delivered in collaboration with Polyglot Theatre, an internationally renowned pioneer in interactive theatrical experiences for young audiences, this day-long program immerses participants in the practices and processes of both companies. Through an engaging blend of playful workshops and hands-on exploration, you'll take to the floor for active participation, gaining invaluable insights into creating compelling theatre experiences for children, families, and communities

At the heart of this initiative is CAAP's mission to create pathways for Asian Australian artists, fostering connections and enhancing representation in the arts sector. Recognising the need to cultivate diverse voices in theatre for young audiences, this one-day event is thoughtfully designed to foster a space where play and curiosity are central to creativity, encouraging participants to immerse themselves in the world of young people’s theatre with joy and enthusiasm.

Be prepared to be physically joyful, meet new people, and be part of an interactive creative practice jam.

Artist Jam will run Mon 11 Nov.

Who is this for?

This opportunity is open to Asian Australian creatives at any career stage who are interested in participatory practice and/or working with children and families. This invitation is not limited to performers; sound designers, directors, set and costume designers and people running programs with children are all encouraged to apply. Applicants must be based in Victoria.

Successful applicants will be paid a daily rate for attending the day-long event.

How to Apply

EOIS are now closed

Applications will be assessed by the team at CAAP and Polyglot Theatre. Unfortunately, we are not able to offer individual feedback on unsuccessful applications. If you have any questions about the application process or access needs, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Acknowledgment 

This creative exchange is assisted by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its arts funding and advisory body.

CAAP is also supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW. Polyglot is supported by the Victorian government through. Creative Victoria.

Photo: Ben Searcy 

 

Immerse yourself in the dynamic creativity of Asian Australian artists at CAAP’s Longhouse: Works In Progress showcase. This year’s program bring five bold new works to the stage, spanning dance theatre, multimedia performance, cabaret, and comedy. It’s a rare chance to witness projects in their early stages of development, offering insight into the creative process while connecting with fellow artists and the wider community.

Join us for an evening of exploration and celebration as we spotlight the next generation of Asian Australian voices. After the performances, in true Longhouse style, you are invited to share a plate of food and engage in community chats.

ARTISTS

Christopher Gurusamy
Eric Jiang
Maybelline San Juan
Kimi Shazell
Michelle St Anne

TICKETS AND PERFORMANCES

Wed 27 Nov, 6:30 PM 
Bay 20, Carriageworks 

Tickets

Image: Jay Patel

 

 

In this Longhouse, we’re interrogating the elusive A-word: Authenticity.

Join us in Parramatta on Thursday 26 September for a robust and engaging artist led discussion, that asks – what does authenticity really mean?

Artists often grapple with authenticity— in our personal lives and in our creative work, Authenticity is closely tied to our connection to community, self-knowledge, customs, language, and cultural understandings, not to mention our sense of self-worth!

Inspired by National Theatre of Parramatta’s upcoming production of Dipika Guha’s Yoga Play — a razor sharp comedy that skewers the Western search for peace and authenticity— we reflect on how these themes resonate with us as Asian Australian artists.

How do we stay true to ourselves in a sector desperate to fulfil its own agenda? Is the search for our stories a sordid hunt for an “authentic Asian” experience? And what do they really want when they ask you to tick the CaLD box?

This panel discussion will be with director Mina Morita, Executive and Creative Producer Joanne Kee, and Director/Producer Bali Padda, facilitated by Contemporary Asian Australian Performance Artistic Director, Tessa Leong, followed by time to chat and mingle with food and drinks. In some traditional societies, the Longhouse is the meeting place where the village gathers to share stories and bond as a community. CAAP’s Longhouse Program combines talks, performances, masterclasses and workshops. All artists and arts workers interested in exploring Asian Australian themes through contemporary performance are welcome to attend.

Presented by Riverside’s National Theatre of Parramatta and Contemporary Asian Australian Performance.

PANEL

Mina Morita
Joanne Kee
Bali Padda
Facilitated by Tessa Leong

TICKETS AND PERFORMANCES

Thu 26, 6:30pm 
Riverside Theatres, Parramatta
Tickets: $15

Tickets

NTofP is supported by City of Parramatta and  the NSW Government through Create NSW.
CAAP is supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW, and assisted by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its arts funding and advisory body.